In an effort to help Oklahoma farmers and ranchers deal with the on-going drought, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is hosting an informal summit Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the OFB cafeteria, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City.
The one day meeting will feature grassland and economic experts from the Noble Foundation, Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese, Climatologist Gary McManus, Andrea Breautigam, executive director of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program, FSA Director Francie Tolle and OSU Sociologist Dr. Duane Gill.
“We want to bring together some of the state’s top experts to help our producers manage this natural disaster,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We are especially interested in having Dr. Gill on the program as he has an established history of working with victims of natural disasters.”
Dr. Gill is part of a research team studying the human impacts of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. He has a global reputation for helping victims heal after such disasters as the Exxon Valdez Oil spill in Alaska and the BP oil spill in the gulf last summer.
Gary McManus, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, will look at the long-range projections and give producers an idea of what to expect in the coming months.
Noble Foundation staff members Hugh Aljoe and Job Springer will help producers understand the drought’s impact on grass pastures and the economic implications of livestock herd dispersal.
Agriculture Sec. Jim Reese will assess the economic impact on the state’s economy and, Andrea Breautigam will provide information on the state’s agriculture mediation program.
Francie Tolle, director of the Farm Service Agency, will explain federal drought assistance programs for crops and livestock and provide details on available government programs.
“We hope producers will consider this an opportunity to discuss the drought in an informal setting that will allow for the free flow of new ideas,” Spradling said. “It will rain again and we want to be ready from both a personal and business standpoint. This is an extremely important meeting for our producers as we hope to provide meaningful help during this critical time.”
For more information go to www.okfarmbureau.org. Please contact Staci Armstrong (405) 523-2320 or Kelli Beall (405) 523-2470 to register for the summit.
